U.S. patent application number 10/163896 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-04 for credit card sized remote control transmitter application.
Invention is credited to Birchfield, Jerry Wayne, Kemper, Jonathan Thomas, Rutledge, Mark Edward.
Application Number | 20030222755 10/163896 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29583693 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030222755 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kemper, Jonathan Thomas ; et
al. |
December 4, 2003 |
Credit card sized remote control transmitter application
Abstract
A credit card sized remote control transmitter comprising a
complete independent remote control transmitter with an internal
power supply, user operable switches, a system security encoder
circuit, a transmitting circuit, an antenna, and printed circuit
board combined into a transmitter embedded into a card that is the
size of a normal credit card or smaller and thin enough to be
easily and conveniently stored and carried in a user's wallet,
purse, or garment pocket. The transmitter can be easily,
conveniently, and comfortably stored and carried as an emergency or
convenience remote control transmitter in case the primary remote
control transmitter fails, is lost, is misplaced, or is
inaccessibly locked inside the vehicle. Additionally, the
transmitter optionally comprises a mechanical key for any emergency
or convenience operation of any locking mechanism. When any key is
to be used to operate the ignition and starting circuits of a
vehicle, the transmitter with or without the key optionally
comprises a complete transponder unit that is programmable into the
passive interrupt system of a vehicle to enable the starting and
running of a vehicle containing a passive interrupt system. The
transmitter can also have contacts for charging the internal
battery.
Inventors: |
Kemper, Jonathan Thomas;
(San Diego, CA) ; Rutledge, Mark Edward;
(Murrieta, CA) ; Birchfield, Jerry Wayne; (Vista,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Directed Electronics, Inc.
One Viper Way
Vista
CA
92083
US
|
Family ID: |
29583693 |
Appl. No.: |
10/163896 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/5.61 ;
340/5.73 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07C 2009/00968
20130101; G07C 2009/00952 20130101; G07C 9/00944 20130101; G07C
9/00182 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/5.61 ;
340/5.73 |
International
Class: |
G05B 019/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A credit card sized transmitter for transmitting a remote
control signal that can be carried conveniently in a wallet, purse,
or garment pocket, said credit card sized transmitter comprising: a
power source; an encoder; a transmitting circuit; an antenna; at
least one user operable switch; a printed circuit board; an
encapsulation material; and said power source, said encoder, said
transmitting circuit, said antenna, and said at least one user
operable switch, printed circuit board, and encapsulation material
integrally united and encapsulated in said credit card sized
package for transmitting said remote control signal.
2. A credit card sized transmitter for transmitting a remote
control signal that can be carried conveniently in a wallet, purse,
or garment pocket, said credit card sized transmitter comprising: a
power source; an encoder; a transmitting circuit; an antenna; at
least one user operable switch; a printed circuit board; an
encapsulation material; and a flexibly hinged mechanical key and; a
key-shaped recessed opening in the credit card material for storing
said flexibly hinged mechanical key; said power source, encoder,
transmitting circuit, antenna, one or more user operable switches,
printed circuit board, mechanical key, key-shaped recessed opening,
and encapsulation material integrally united and encapsulated in
said credit card sized package for transmitting said remote control
signal; and said mechanical key removably received and/or flexibly
hinged in said recess and adapted for any conventional mechanical
locking mechanism use.
3. A credit card sized transmitter for transmitting a remote
control signal that can be carried conveniently in a wallet, purse,
or garment pocket, said credit card sized transmitter comprising: a
power source; an encoder; a transmitting circuit; an antenna; at
least one user operable switch; a printed circuit board; an
encapsulation material; and a flexibly hinged mechanical key and; a
key-shaped recessed opening in the credit card material for storing
said flexibly hinged mechanical key; a complete transponder unit;
said power source, encoder, transmitting circuit, antenna, one or
more user operable switches, printed circuit board, key, key-shaped
recessed opening, complete transponder unit, and encapsulation
material integrally united and encapsulated in said credit card
sized package for transmitting said remote control signal; said
mechanical key removably received and/or flexibly hinged in said
recess opening and adapted for any conventional mechanical locking
mechanism use; and said transponder unit, when programmed into the
vehicle passive interrupt system, enables the passive interrupt
system allowing the starting and operating of the vehicle when
using a standard ignition key.
4. The credit card sized transmitter of claim 1, 2, or 3, said
power source comprising: a battery.
5. The credit card sized transmitter of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein:
said one or more user operable switches is one of a plurality of
switches, and said at least one user operable switch activates one
of a plurality of channels in said encoder.
6. The credit card sized transmitter of claim 2, or 3, wherein:
said key is adapted to be keyed on a key cutting machine.
7. The credit card sized transmitter of claim 2, or 3, wherein:
said key is adapted to be used to operate the ignition and starting
circuits of a vehicle
8. The credit card sized remote control transmitter of claim 1, 2,
or 3, wherein: said credit card sized remote control transmitter
has a length in the range of 3-5 inches and a width in the range of
2-3 inches; such that said credit card sized remote control
transmitter does not take up much space, and can be stored in a
location such as a wallet, purse, or garment pocket that is
convenient, easy to remember, and readily accessible for use as a
back-up transmitter in case a primary remote control transmitter
fails, is misplaced, is lost, is stolen, or is inaccessibly locked
in the vehicle.
9. The credit card sized remote control transmitter of claim 1, 2,
or 3, wherein: said credit card sized remote control transmitter
has a length of essentially 33/8 inches and a width of essentially
21/8 inches; such that said credit card sized remote control
transmitter can be conveniently located in a wallet, purse, or
garment pocket storage location having dimensions limited to
receive a package having a length essentially no greater than 31/2"
or a width essentially no greater than 21/4".
10. The credit card sized remote control transmitter of claim 2, or
3, wherein: said credit card sized remote control transmitter has a
thickness that is slightly greater than a normal credit card.
11. The credit card sized remote control transmitter of claim 1,
wherein: said credit card sized remote control transmitter has a
thickness that is less than, equal to, or slightly greater than a
normal credit card.
12. The credit card sized transmitter of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein:
said transmitting circuit comprises an RF oscillator and driver
combination, and said encoder comprises a built-in oscillator.
13. The credit card sized transmitter of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein:
said transmitting circuit comprises an integrated circuit.
14. The credit card sized transmitter of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein:
said transmitting circuit comprises a completely integrated
circuit, and said encoder is part of said completely integrated
circuit.
15. The credit card sized transmitter of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein:
said oscillator comprises: an LC, SAW, or crystal frequency
controlled RF oscillator.
16. The credit card sized transmitter of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein:
said transmitting antenna is one of: an etched trace antenna,
plated trace antenna, patch antenna, slot antenna, short wire
antenna, wire loop antenna, a multiple wire loop antenna, or other
type of etched or plated antenna.
17. The credit card sized transmitter of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein
said antenna encircles one or more of the encoder, the transmitting
circuit, and the battery.
18. The credit card sized transmitter of claim 1, wherein: said
credit card sized transmitter has a length in the range of 2-5
inches and a width in the range of 1-3 inches; such that said
credit card sized transmitter does not take up much space, and can
be placed in a location that is easy to remember and readily
accessible as a back-up transmitter in case a primary remote
control transmitter fails, is misplaced, is stolen, or is
inaccessibly locked inside the vehicle.
19. The credit card sized transmitter of claim 15, wherein: said
credit card sized transmitter has a length of substantially 33/8
inches and a width of substantially 21/8 inches; such that said
credit card sized transmitter can be conveniently located in a
wallet or pocket having dimensions limited to receive a package
having a length substantially no greater than 31/2 inches or a
width substantially no greater than 21/4 inches.
20. The credit card sized transmitter of claim 1, wherein said
credit card sized remote control transmitter also comprises, a
complete transponder unit; said transponder unit, when programmed
into the vehicle passive interrupt system, enables the passive
interrupt system allowing the starting and operating of the vehicle
when using a standard ignition key.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a remote
controlled keyless entry system, a remote controlled security
system, a remote controlled vehicle starting system, or some other
remote controlled system. More specifically, the invention relates
to a complete remote control transmitter that is built into the
form and size of a credit card for conveniently storing in a credit
card holder in a wallet, a purse, or a garment pocket when not in
use. This credit card sized device in addition to containing a
remote control transmitter may also include a mechanical key for a
tumbler type or other locking mechanism built into the credit card
sized, which can be used for entry purposes, to operate the
ignition and starting circuits of a vehicle, or for any other
purpose that is related to a remote controlled system. When used to
operate the ignition and starting circuits of a vehicle, the device
can also include a transponder that can be programmed into the
vehicle to allow operation of the vehicle ignition and starting
circuits. The transmitter can also have contacts for charging the
internal battery.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Remote control transmitters have been in use since the
1970's for remote control of televisions and radios. Most of the
first remote control transmitters that were found in the prior art,
used ultrasonic transducers for the transmission and reception of
control signals. A few of the ultrasonic transducer patents are
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,944,982; 3,949,297; 3,971,986; 3,988,701; and
4,021,756. Ultrasonic transducers are not practical for use in
remote control applications where you must penetrate a sealed
environment, since the ultrasonic signals have difficulty
penetrating solid objects such as, but not limited to doors,
windows, and walls. The earliest RF (radio frequency) remote
control transmitter that was found in the search is U.S. Pat. No.
4,041,394. This remote control transmitter was built into a
vest-like garment and is not acceptable at all, in today's advanced
remote controlled security market. The RF remote control
transmitter disclosed in this patent used the operating frequency
and time only to operate the remote controlled device. This was
good for its time, but it is totally unacceptable in today's
intense and often saturated RF environment. There can be many
random false operations of any system containing such a system of
operation in today's severe RF environment. Remote control
transmitters have increased substantially in capabilities, while
decreasing in size dramatically. Today, there are frequency hopping
spread spectrum remote control transmitters with code hopping
capabilities.
[0005] There are keyless entry and security systems using
transponders with built in "RF transmitters" that are built in to
name-card or credit-card size packages that can be stored in a
garment pocket as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,719,460 and 5,134,392.
These transponder transmitters depend completely on their internal
microcontrollers, memory, and a control signal and power from the
controlling transceiver in the vehicle to operate the transmitter.
If there is a user operable switch, it is connected directly to the
controlling transceiver in the vehicle. Essentially they are
different from the instant invention in that user activated
operation of system features is not possible from the remote
transmitter without being in direct contact with the vehicle. All
functional operation is dependent on the system microcontroller
providing memory, power and a control signal to the remote. In
fact, they are not known in the remote control industry as remote
control transmitters, but as transponders that are passive devices
that operate when a user approaches the vehicle or activates from
the controlling transceiver located in the vehicle by activating
the switch attached thereto as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,719,460.
For example, some of these systems have the transponder in the key
and operate when and only when the key is inserted into the
ignition. Operation is initiated by power that is transmitted from
a wire loop around the ignition key slot. None of these
transmitters having credit card size and thickness independently
function as a remote transmitter with its own power source.
[0006] Another "thin" remote control transmitter is discussed in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,963,876. This remote control transmitter is
approximately 0.3 inches (7.62 mm) thick and is a very thin
transmitter, when compared with most remote control transmitters.
This is a "thin", complete remote control transmitter that does not
depend on a control signal from the remote control system. It is
designed to be attached to a key chain with a set of keys, and to
be carried in a garment pocket or purse, but it is too thick to
store conveniently in a wallet. Even at its minimum thickness, this
independent transmitter will not properly fit in a credit card
holder. There are additional limitations in that if the transmitter
is misplaced or lost the user will be without any method of entry
to the vehicle or the capability to start and operate the vehicle.
The current invention overcomes this limitation.
[0007] Plastic keys embedded in a credit card sized package are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,637,236 and 4,677,835, which are
incorporated herein by reference. In these patents, plastic key
blanks can lie flat in the recess of a credit-card size device and
they can be hinged out to a position perpendicular to the plane of
the card for keying and use. The hinge disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,677,835 also allows the plastic key to twist slightly without
damaging the circular plastic hinge. The thickness of the plastic
credit card device that contains these keys is approximately 1.6
millimeters thick and the thickness of the plastic key carried in
this holder is approximately 3 millimeters thick, which is
approximately 1/8 inch thick. The devices of the '236 and the '835
patent are limited in that the can neither provide a remote control
transmitter signal nor do they contain a transponder device to
overcome factory passive antitheft protection systems.
[0008] The card key with a transmitter element as disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,050,118 is a card key for operating the ignition, start,
and operating circuits of a vehicle wherein the card holder for the
key also contains a complete transponder unit. The transponder is
referred to continually as a transmitter, but it is a transponder
that draws its power and is completely controlled by the vehicle
passive antitheft protection system. The transponder allows the
starting and operating of a vehicle with a passive antitheft
protection system. There are no user operable switches that allow
the user to operate the transponder "transmitter." Therefore this
device falls short of the instant invention in that user operable
switches that allow the user to operate the credit card sized
remote control transmitter from a much greater distance than the
above mentioned transponder "transmitter."
[0009] The prior art fails to provide a remote control transmitter
that is fully integrated, user operable and that has a size and
thickness that enables it to fit into a credit card holder in a
wallet or purse. There is a need in the art for a transmitter of
credit card size that has its own independent power source and is
still thin enough to fit in a wallet or credit card holder. There
is a special need for a user operable transmitter of this small
size and thickness in order to provide a convenient back-up
transmitter in case a primary transmitter fails, is lost,
misplaced, or inaccessibly locked inside the vehicle. There is an
additional need to provide an additional back-up means of entry in
the form of a mechanical key carried in a recess of the credit card
sized transmitter.
[0010] Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a
complete remote control transmitter with an internal power supply
(battery), user activated switches, system security encoder, radio
frequency (RF) transmitting circuit that is composed of an
oscillator circuit and a driver circuit, printed circuit board, and
antenna that when encapsulated is built into a card format that is
the size of a normal credit card and of a thickness that is easily
stored in a user's wallet.
[0011] Furthermore, it is an object of this invention to provide a
remote control credit card sized transmitter for increased
convenience and reliability through the redundancy of a back-up
transmitter.
[0012] It is yet a further object of the current invention to
provide a credit card sized transmitter with a mechanical key and
transponder device to allow vehicle starting and operating when the
vehicle has a factory installed passive antitheft device.
[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
means to recharge the credit card sized transmitter to extend the
useful life of the transmitter.
[0014] It is further an object of the invention to provide a fully
functional credit card sized transmitter that is essentially water
proof so that if the transmitter is submerged in water, it will
still operate upon removal from the water. The instant invention
provides a credit card sized remote control transmitter that can be
carried in a pocket while the user is swimming, surfing,
snorkeling, or scuba diving and the primary remote control
transmitter, wallet, and other personal belongings are inaccessibly
locked in the vehicle.
[0015] Still, yet another object of the invention is to provide a
credit card sized remote control transmitter with or without a key
and/or transponder that can be stored in a convenient location that
is easy to remember, and readily accessible to the user such as a
wallet, purse, or garment pocket.
[0016] The instant invention solves these problems and meets these
objectives as set forth below.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The credit card sized remote control transmitter of the
instant invention has a complete remote control transmitter with an
internal power supply (battery), one or more user activated
switches, a system security encoder, a radio frequency (RF)
transmitting circuit composed of an oscillator circuit and a driver
circuit, a transponder unit, an antenna, and a printed circuit
board that is built into a card format that when encapsulated is
the size of a normal credit card and of a thickness that is easily
and conveniently stored in a user's wallet, purse, or garment
pocket.
[0018] This is accomplished by the main aspects of the invention.
One aspect of the invention is that the credit card sized
transmitter has electronic circuitry and components of an overall
size that can reside within the dimensions of a regular credit
card. The current invention is fully self contained and functional
for purposes of maintaining redundancy for entry, arming and
disarming of a security system, or remotely starting a vehicle in
the event that a remote control transmitter, a key or both, fails,
are misplaced, lost, stolen, or are inaccessibly locked inside the
vehicle. The credit card sized remote control transmitter of the
instant invention can act as a secondary transmitter when the
primary transmitter is lost or misplaced. Since the remote control
credit card sized transmitter is easily and comfortably placed in a
credit card holder of a wallet, purse, or in a garment pocket, the
redundancy does not become inconvenient and does not take up too
much space. Since the credit card sized remote control transmitter
is very thin it can be comfortably carried in a wallet or garment
pocket.
[0019] Alternatively, the credit card sized remote control
transmitter may be used as a loaner. That is, it can be loaned to
someone that only needs it temporarily. A good example of this
would be in a rental car or in a company vehicle used by more than
one individual. In these cases, inadvertent loss of or carrying off
of the credit card sized transmitter will not be a big problem.
[0020] Yet, another object of this invention is to provide further
convenience to the user by providing a mechanical key to use in any
emergency or as a convenience with any tumbler or other type
locking mechanism associated with or not associated with the remote
control system. The credit card sized remote control transmitter
package additionally comprising a flexibly hinged mechanical key, a
key-shaped recessed opening in the credit card material for storing
said flexibly hinged mechanical key, and said mechanical key
flexibly hinging outwardly to an angle perpendicular to the plane
of the card for keying and use, the key adapted for any
conventional mechanical locking mechanism use, such as, but not
limited to the operation of the ignition and starting circuits of a
vehicle, or for any other locking mechanism purpose. When a plain
key is to be used to operate the ignition and starting circuits of
a vehicle, the credit card sized remote control transmitter with or
without the key optionally comprises a complete transponder unit
that is programmable into the passive interrupt system of the
vehicle to enable the starting and running of a vehicle with said
passive interrupt system. Additionally, the disclosed credit card
sized remote control is manufactured to be essentially waterproof
so that a user can rest assured that any exposure to water will not
damage the circuitry of the device nor limit its functionality. The
instant invention provides a credit card sized remote control
transmitter that could be carried in a pocket while the user is
swimming, surfing, snorkeling, or scuba diving and the primary
remote control transmitter, wallet, and other personal belongings
are inaccessibly locked in the vehicle. This is possible since the
credit card sized remote control transmitter is essentially
waterproof and can be easily and conveniently stored and carried in
a swim suit pocket. Additionally, for this application in
particular, as well as other applications, there is a use for the
credit card sized remote control transmitter to contain a complete
transponder unit, that when programmed into the vehicle passive
interrupt system, enables the passive interrupt system allowing the
starting and running of the vehicle using a plain ignition key.
[0021] The present invention also includes a means for recharging
the built in power source so the useful life of the device can be
extended.
[0022] While the apparatus has or will be described for the sake of
grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be
expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated
under 35 USC 112, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in
any way by the construction of "means" limitations, but are to be
accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the
definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of
equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly
formulated under 35 USC 112 are to be accorded full statutory
equivalents under 35 USC 112. The invention can be better
visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like
elements are referenced by like numerals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1A is a plan view of a first embodiment of the credit
card sized remote control transmitter of the instant invention.
[0024] FIG. 1B is an end elevation view of the credit card sized
remote control transmitter of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 1C is a side elevation view of the credit card sized
remote control transmitter of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 2A is a plan view of a second embodiment of the credit
card sized remote control transmitter that includes a key blank
located in the card.
[0027] FIG. 2B is a side elevation view of the credit card sized
remote control transmitter of FIG. 2.
[0028] FIG. 2C is an end elevation view of the credit card sized
remote control transmitter of FIG. 2.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of typical 2
channel remote control transmitter electronics circuitry that can
be built into a credit card sized.
[0030] The invention and its various embodiments can now be better
understood by turning to the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments which are presented as illustrated examples
of the invention defined in the claims. It is expressly understood
that the invention as defined by the claims may be broader than the
illustrated embodiments described below.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] In FIGS. 1A-1C shows the credit card sized remote control
transmitter 1 of the preferred embodiment is integrated into
plastic credit card sized casing that incorporates and encloses
each of the elements of the entire device using any well known
laminating, potting, encapsulating or coating process and material.
The term encapsulation, hereafter, is used to identify any process
that encloses all the elements of the transmitter. In the preferred
embodiment, the material used for encapsulation of credit card
sized remote control transmitter, 1, is a plastic compound. The
encapsulation, laminate or coating allows for an essentially
waterproof device. The transmitter 1 can also be made without the
laminate or coating but may not be waterproof. The casing which
essentially encapsulates and encloses the transmitter as a unitary
device can contain any type of remote control RF transmitter
frequency control elements such as, but not limited to a LC
(inductor, capacitor), a SAW (surface acoustically wave) resonator,
a crystal controlled, or a balanced oscillator, each of which is
well known in the art. In the preferred embodiment the RF
transmitter frequency control element is located in the electronic
circuitry section 9 of the transmitter 1 and 21.
[0032] FIGS. 1A-1C and 2A-2C are not drawn to size, but the
proportions are scaled to be essentially the same as a standard
plastic credit card. Most of the elements of the remote control
transmitter are completely embedded and encapsulated in the plastic
encapsulation material. The only operational components of the
transmitter that must be accessibly to the user are the user
operable switches and these can be covered by a thin coating of the
encapsulation material as long as covering remains flexible enough
for the user to activate the switches. Even the battery can be
completely embedded and encapsulated in the plastic card
encapsulation material since the credit card sized remote control
transmitter is normally used infrequently.
[0033] FIGS. 1A-1C are drawings of a first embodiment of the credit
card sized remote control transmitter 1 without a plastic key built
into the transmitter. FIGS. 1A-1C shows all the internal sections
of the transmitter 1. In the preferred embodiment, the credit card
sized remote control transmitter without a key could be essentially
the same size as a normal credit card (21/8" by 33/8") and of a
thickness that is less than, equal to, or slightly greater than a
normal credit card. The thickness of any location on the credit
card sized remote control transmitter is not greater than 1/8". For
any embodiment of transmitter, 1, the width of the credit card
transmitter without a key is not less than 1" or greater than 3"
and the length of the credit card transmitter without a key is not
less than 2" or greater than 5".
[0034] The battery section 3 is shown as a raised section of the
transmitter where a thicker lithium battery could be installed. In
the preferred embodiment a thinner lithium battery is used and the
battery section is not raised. A printed battery could also be used
and built into a printed circuit board or into the interior of the
encapsulated surface of the transmitter 1. A printed battery is a
battery that is printed on a printed circuit board or paper as a
normal printing process using printable chemicals to create a
battery that is very thin. Also, any other thin battery or power
source with sufficient capacity could be used.
[0035] Switches 5 and 7 are the switches that activates the
selected transmitter channel from one of a plurality of encoder
channels, and operates the remote control transmitter 1
transmission output. These switches 5, 7 could be any thin switches
such as conductive polymer, dome, or any other suitable thin
switches, many of which are well known in the art. The Electronic
Circuitry section 9 includes a system security encoder circuit 61,
an RF frequency oscillator circuit 63 and transmitting driver
circuit that drives antenna 65. (See FIG. 3 for some of these
details.) Antenna 65 is shown as a trace 11 etched or plated on the
printed circuit board 13. Antenna, 11, could also be a short wire
antenna, an etched plated trace antenna that encircles the entire
transmitter, a patch antenna that is etched or plated on printed
circuit board, a slot antenna that is etched or plated on printed
circuit board, a tuned wire or trace antenna, a single or multiple
wire loop antenna that encompasses a small portion of the
circuitry, or a single or multiple wire loop antenna that encircles
the complete transmitter circuit (assembly) and/or battery, all
with antenna, 11, completely embedded within the plastic
encapsulation material of the credit card sized remote control
transmitter.
[0036] Optional transponder circuit 15 is a complete transponder
unit when connected to transponder loop coil 17. The transponder
circuit 15 can operate if connected to the credit card sized remote
control transmitter battery or not connected to the credit card
sized remote control transmitter battery. It operates without the
battery by drawing power from the incoming transponder power
signal. Storing the power in a power storage capacitor, then using
said stored power to transmit the programmed transponder signal to
the ignition interrupt circuit. This would allow an operator to
start a vehicle with a passive interrupt system while using a plain
ignition key (key without a transponder) by holding the credit card
sized remote control transmitter with a programmed transponder in
near proximity to the ignition key while it is in the ignition and
in the act of starting the vehicle.
[0037] Although not shown, electrical contacts can be integrated
into the peripheral edge or near the edge of the credit card sized
transmitter to complete a circuit to the battery allowing for
recharging of the battery. Having contacts on external surface the
credit card transmitter can require the use of isolation diodes to
protect the battery from discharging if the transmitter is carried
into water, particularly the ocean.
[0038] FIGS. 2A-2C show a second embodiment of the instant
invention wherein a plastic credit card sized encapsulation
material encloses or encapsulates the exterior of the entire device
using any well known laminating, encapsulating, potting, or coating
process to form of a credit card sized remote control transmitter
21 as described in the preferred embodiment. A plastic key 35 is
built into the credit card sized transmitter 21. The transmitter
encapsulation material encapsulates and forms a unitary package for
all the internal sections of the transmitter 21 as shown in FIGS.
2A-2C. In the preferred embodiment, the credit card sized remote
control transmitter with a key can be essentially the same size as
a normal credit card (21/8" by 33/8") and of a thickness that is
slightly greater than a normal credit card. The thickness of any
location on the credit card sized remote control transmitter is not
greater than {fraction (5/32)}". For any embodiment of transmitter,
21, the width of the credit card transmitter with a key is not less
than 2" or greater than 3". The length of the credit card
transmitter with a key is not less than 3" or greater than 5".
[0039] Battery section, 23, is shown as a raised section of the
transmitter where a thicker lithium battery could be installed. It
is not necessary for this section to be raised if a thinner lithium
battery is used. A printed battery could also be used and built
into a printed circuit board 41 or the plastic encapsulation
material. Also, any other thin battery with sufficient capacity
could be used.
[0040] Switches, 25 and 27, are the switches that activates the
selected transmitter channel from one of a plurality of encoder
channels, and operates the remote control transmitter 21
transmission output. These switches could be any thin switches such
a conductive polymer, dome, or any other suitable thin
switches.
[0041] Section 29 includes a system security encoder circuit 61, a
RF frequency oscillator circuit and transmitting driver circuit 63
that drives antenna 65. Again, antenna 65 is shown as a trace 31
etched or plated on the printed circuit board. The antenna 65 could
alternatively be a short wire antenna, a single wire coil antenna,
patch antenna, slot antenna, or multiple wire coil antenna. In any
case, the antenna 65 can encircle the complete transmitter 21 and
key assemblies with antenna 31 completely embedded inside the
credit card sized remote control transmitter 21 encapsulation
material.
[0042] Plastic key blank 35 can lay flat in the credit-card sized
transmitter key recess 43 when not in use and then can be swung out
on a hinge 45 to a position perpendicular to the plane of the card
for keying and use.
[0043] In the preferred embodiment, the credit card sized
transmitters 1, 21 comprise and are encapsulated in an
encapsulation material that is indistinguishable from and unitary
with the transmitter 1, 21 Again, in the preferred embodiment, the
length and width dimensions of credit cards sized transmitter 1, 21
are identical to those of a conventional credit card. That is, the
length is 33/8 inches and the width is 21/8 inches. The thickness
is somewhat dependent on the elements that may protrude as shown in
the elevation views of FIGS. 1B-1C and 2B-2C. However, the
thickness dimensions of the preferred embodiments are less than or
equal to {fraction (5/32)} inch.
[0044] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the internal electronics
circuitry having typical RF transmitter components for a credit
card sized remote control transmitters 1, 21 of the instant
invention. The internal electronics circuitry has the transmitting
circuit. The transmitting circuit is composed of an oscillator
circuit and a driver circuit, many of which are well known in the
art, which includes substantially all of the components except for
the encoder unit 61. The particulars of the embodiment of FIG. 3
provide negative inputs to the encoder unit 61 and the entire
circuit is not powered until one of the switches 49, 51 is
depressed. Battery, 47, is shown as a 3 cell battery. However, in
the preferred embodiment, the battery 47 is a one cell 3 volt
lithium battery.
[0045] Switches 49, and 51 turn on the power and select the
transmitter channel to be transmitted from the credit card sized
remote control transmitters 1, 21. Diodes, 53, and supply power to
the transmitter when either switch 49 or 51 is activated, or when
both switches 49 and 51 are activated.
[0046] The diodes 53, 57 likewise isolate the power from the
transmitting circuit when the switches 49, 51 are not actuated.
Diodes 55 and 59 select the channel to be transmitted by supplying
ground to the channel control inputs of encoder unit 61. Only when
a diode is activated by a respective switch 49, 51, does it select
the channel to be transmitted. The non-actuated switch thus
isolates inputs from its corresponding diode 55, 59.
[0047] Other configurations of the transmitter internal electronics
in the credit card sized remote control transmitters, 21 could be
used. Many such configurations are well known in the art. Any of
these could be used in credit card sized remote control transmitter
1, 21 as long as all of the parts are of a low profile (height)
that could be integrally built into the plastic encapsulation
material of credit card sized transmitter 1, that would fit in a
wallet, purse or garment pocket.
[0048] For the embodiments of FIG. 3, the encoder unit circuits 61
can comprise a completely integrated circuit without any external
components. The completely integrated circuit of the encoder unit
circuits may comprise an integrated encoder with associated
components for the local oscillator, pull-ups on inputs, and other
components as required. Alternatively, the encoder unit circuits 61
can comprise a microcontroller with its associated components
programmed to provide an encryption code. The encoder units 61 then
normally supplies a digital pulse code to pulse modulate, amplitude
modulate, or frequency modulate RF transmitting circuits 63.
[0049] Other encryption processes could also be used within credit
card sized remote control transmitters 1, 21. The RF transmitting
circuits 63 in the preferred embodiments comprises a SAW resonator
or crystal to establish a stable RF oscillator frequency. As such,
the RF oscillator may or may not be a part of the RF output driver
circuit. Alternatively, RF transmitting circuits 63 could also
employ a LC, SAW, or crystal frequency controlled completely RF
integrated circuit chip solution. It is also possible for the
encoder units 61 to be a part of this completely integrated circuit
chip solution.
[0050] Antenna 65 is driven by the RF output driver of RF
transmitter circuits 63. Antennas 65 in the preferred embodiment
are traces on printed circuit boards. Other possibilities would
include etched or plated antennas, wire antennas, wire loops, or
multiple wire loops.
[0051] The credit card sized remote control transmitter can be made
by providing the transmitter on a printed circuit board 13, 33 and
encapsulating the printed circuit board 13, 33 in plastic
encapsulation material. Other means may also be employed to
encapsulate the RF transmitting circuits 63 within the plastic
credit card size transmitter 1, 21.
[0052] The plastic key 35 is molded to fit a key hole of any of a
variety of different vehicle manufacturers. The key material is
strong enough to sustain repeated use without wearing out. The key
35 can be cut by a conventional key machine to match the owner's
ignition key or door key.
[0053] As can be seen, the primary advantages of the credit card
sized transmitter is that its small size enables ease of carrying,
ease of accessing, and the convenience of a back-up remote control
device when a primary remote control device fails, is misplaced, is
inaccessibly locked in the vehicle, or is stolen. This additional
convenience feature is provided by the back-up mechanical key 35.
In use, if the normal key is not available for any reason, then the
user has the option of accessing the back-up mechanical key 35
normally disposed in the recess of the credit card sized
transmitter. The user removes the mechanical key 35 from the recess
in a hinging fashion and inserts the mechanical key into a key hole
in a conventional way to operate the locking mechanism. The
mechanical key is thus used, for example, to start and operate a
vehicle, disable a security system, or unlock a door.
[0054] Other configurations of the transmitter in credit card sized
remote control transmitter, 1, could be used, almost all of which
are well known in the art. Any of these could be used in credit
card sized remote control transmitter, 1, as long as all of the
parts are of a low profile (height) that could be used in a thin
plastic or other material card that fits in a wallet, purse, or
garment pocket. Some of the uses of the credit card sized remote
control transmitter are as a loner remote control transmitter, or
as a backup, emergency, or convenience remote control transmitter
if the primary remote control transmitter fails, is lost, is
misplaced, is inaccessibly locked in the vehicle, but the credit
card sized remote control transmitter is not limited to these uses.
It could also be used as the primary remote control transmitter as
a convenience to the user in some applications. The credit card
sized remote control transmitter could also be placed into a clear
picture or credit card holder and accessed without removing the
transmitter from its holder simply by depressing the buttons (user
operable switches) through the clear holder material.
[0055] While the invention has been described with reference to a
particular embodiment thereof, those skilled in the art will be
able to make various modifications to the described embodiment of
the invention without departing from the true spirit and scope
thereof. It is intended that all combinations of elements perform
substantially the same function in substantially the same way to
achieve substantially the same result are within the scope of this
invention
[0056] Many alterations and modifications may be made by those
having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that
the illustrated embodiment has been set forth only for the purposes
of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the
invention as defined by the following claims. For example,
notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth
below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood
that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or
different elements, which are disclosed in above even when not
initially claimed in such combinations.
[0057] The words used in this specification to describe the
invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only
in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by
special definition in this specification structure, material or
acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an
element can be understood in the context of this specification as
including more than one meaning, then its use in a claim must be
understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by
the specification and by the word itself.
[0058] The definitions of the words or elements of the following
claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to include not
only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but
all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing
substantially the same function in substantially the same way to
obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore
contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more
elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims
below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more
elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as
acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such,
it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a
claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the
combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a
subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
[0059] Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as
viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or
later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently
within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions
now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are
defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.
[0060] The claims are thus to be understood to include what is
specifically illustrated and described above, what is
conceptionally equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and
also what essentially incorporates the essential idea of the
invention.
* * * * *